"Nobelist James D. Watson delves into his family history, exploring his ancestors' roots in Springfield, Illinois, and Chicago, and then focuses on his father James D. Watson, Sr., and his influence on Dr. Watsonp1ss success as an eminent scientist and as a writer. Contiguous people, such as Abraham Lincoln and Orson Welles, and events, such as the Leopold and Loeb "Crime of the Century" and 20th century developments in American politics and education, provide a framework for these explorations"--Provided by publisher.